Well, it should be fairly obvious what this song is all about. It's basically an observation and satirizing of the aspect of hip-hop culture concerning handguns. It also describes, with Francis' great wit, characteristics of masculinity, and how they relate to firearms. He's basically pointing out those people who feel that having a gun makes them a 'real man' and laughing at them.
"i'm a man now (a real man)
not the one who went to two colleges
grovellin' over meal plans"
This is probably my favorite line. In reality, a man who has attended not one, but TWO colleges should definitely be considered a 'real man' in society, with a great amount of inner strength and intelligence. But, unfortunately, especially in hip-hop culture, it's physicality, body strength and, yes, GUNS that give somebody power, and the appearence of being a 'real man'. This is one of the most important lines in the song, and easiest way to sum up the meaning behind the lyrics.
"a homophobic rapper
unaware of the graphic nature of phallic symbols
tragically ironic, suckin' off each others' gats & pistols"
Another allusion to the hip-hop culture. This one also sums up the song basically. He's pointing out all these real hardcore rappers that constantly reference their weapons are actually acting profoundly homoerotic, which is exactly the opposite of the image they're trying to project. Are these 'real men'? I don't think so.
This is an amazing landmark song. It's a very bold move by Sage Francis, to release such a scathing attack on hip-hop culture and the very nature of masculinity. His voice wraps it up in a very exceptional package; the way it shakes and trembles makes you really feel that these words are being spoken by an extremely volatile, insecure person, and you fear he could snap at any second. Truly, the greatest song I've heard in a while.
Well, it should be fairly obvious what this song is all about. It's basically an observation and satirizing of the aspect of hip-hop culture concerning handguns. It also describes, with Francis' great wit, characteristics of masculinity, and how they relate to firearms. He's basically pointing out those people who feel that having a gun makes them a 'real man' and laughing at them.
"i'm a man now (a real man) not the one who went to two colleges grovellin' over meal plans" This is probably my favorite line. In reality, a man who has attended not one, but TWO colleges should definitely be considered a 'real man' in society, with a great amount of inner strength and intelligence. But, unfortunately, especially in hip-hop culture, it's physicality, body strength and, yes, GUNS that give somebody power, and the appearence of being a 'real man'. This is one of the most important lines in the song, and easiest way to sum up the meaning behind the lyrics.
"a homophobic rapper unaware of the graphic nature of phallic symbols tragically ironic, suckin' off each others' gats & pistols" Another allusion to the hip-hop culture. This one also sums up the song basically. He's pointing out all these real hardcore rappers that constantly reference their weapons are actually acting profoundly homoerotic, which is exactly the opposite of the image they're trying to project. Are these 'real men'? I don't think so.
This is an amazing landmark song. It's a very bold move by Sage Francis, to release such a scathing attack on hip-hop culture and the very nature of masculinity. His voice wraps it up in a very exceptional package; the way it shakes and trembles makes you really feel that these words are being spoken by an extremely volatile, insecure person, and you fear he could snap at any second. Truly, the greatest song I've heard in a while.